Boat Flag Color Meanings

Boat Flag History

Boats have flown flags as a way of communicating across the water from the beginning. Colors designating origin and intent go back into prehistory. However, the modern way of signaling started in the 17th century. The Duke of York is credited with Modern naval code signaling starting with the Lord High Admiral after the Restoration.

To the untrained eye the flags have little meaning besides perhaps the country flags flown. This is not the case though, the colors have very specific meanings that can be seen below.

Once you have learned about what colors mean, check out our collection of boat flags here!

Signal Flags

Signal flags are known as the International Code of Signals.

Alfa:  Diver Down/Keep clear

Bravo: Dangerous cargo

Charlie: Yes/Affirmative

Delta: Keep clear

Echo: Altering course to starboard

Foxtrot: Disabled

Golf: I need a pilot or I am hauling nets

Hotel: I have a pilot on board

India: Altering course to port

Juliet: On fire

Kilo: I would like to communicate with you

Lima: Stop now

Mike: I am stopped and not making headway

November: No/Negative

Oscar: Man overboard

Papa: Report on board, vessel is about to sail

Quebec: Vessel is healthy, request clearance into port (for international entrance)

Romeo: Do not pass ahead of me

Sierra: Engine going astern

Tango: Keep clear

Uniform: You are running into danger

Victor: I need assistance

Whiskey: I need medical assistance

Xray: Stop and watch for my signal

Yankee: Dragging my anchor

Zulu: I need a tug

Popular Boat Flag Color Questions

Question: What are the colors of nautical flags?

Answer: You can use all colors on nautical flags. There are different kinds of nautical flags with different requirements. For signal flags, white, red, yellow, black, and blue are the only colors allowed.

Question: What does a black and yellow flag mean on a boat?

Answer: A black and yellow squares flag is "Lima." In days past it was meant to signal a quarantine with a dangerous infectious disease on board. That standard was abolished in 1965. Now it simply means "you should stop your vessel immediately." Some people may still adhere to the old standard. In either case, you should avoid any ship flying a black and yellow squares flag.

Question: What does a black flag mean on a ship?

Answer: In years past a black flag was flown by pirates. It showed intent to board a vessel and take valuables. If the boarded vessel did not fight back the crew would be spared. You can create your own black pirate flag here! This is in contrast to the red flag which meant no quarter would be given. These days, the black flag is mainly used in sailing races. If a black flag is raised the vessel has been disqualified from the race.

Question: What does a Blue Flag mean on a boat?

Answer: Blue and white means a diver is in the water. Blue not on signal flags shows a regard for the environment. You could create your own custom blue boating flag the show your support of the environment here.

Question: What does a red flag mean on a boat?

Answer: Red is generally a signal of danger. A red flag with black square signals a hurricane or storm. In the Golden Age of Piracy it was a sign that no quarter will be given.

Question: What does a solid orange flag mean?

Answer: In the United States, boats towing people are required to carry a solid orange flag. The flag will be raised with the water skier, tuber, or person otherwise being towed is down and in the water.

Question: What does a white and blue flag mean for boating?

Answer: A white and blue flag is most commonly "Alpha." It signals there is a diver in the water and that other vessels should stay away and steer clear.

Question: What does a white flag mean on a boat?

Answer: A white flag designates a private or dangerous area. It signals "Do not enter, touch, or use."

Question: What does a yellow flag on a yacht mean?

Answer: The yellow flag is "Q" and it signals that there is no disease on board the vessel.